Since it takes the bank a few weeks to tell you that a recently cashed check has bounced, you may have already spent the money, and that means that you are consequently completely responsible for it. This can leave you in the red, allowing the bank to charge you another fee for overdrawing.
If you have received a notice of a bad check from your bank, you must first contact the person who gave you the bad check. It is recommended that you call them and write them a letter detailing the situation at hand. On the phone it is important to remain courteous but firm; you cannot let the person explain away the bounced check. In the letter, or Bad Check Notice, you must explain how much money is due, when you need the payment by, who wrote the check, and the name of their bank. It is your job to get in touch with the person (and sometimes their bank) to ensure that he or she receives your notice of a bad check. This notice can sometimes be hard to write, but must be written in accordance with your particular case.
Consider using the RocketLawyer.com Bad Check Notice to easily create a customized letter which explains how much money is due, the parties involved and how to contact you in order to correct the problem. Our easy online interview lets you create this document for free, which can take some of the worry out of a stressful situation.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
